1911 grips

[Carl]

They're all universal and interchangeable right? I mean, for all full sized 1911s. The only difference would to keep in consideration if you'll need grips with an ambi-cut or not. My 1911 has an ambi safety so the ambi-cut is necessary.

I'm interested in putting on some slim grips for my 1911 to make it even more slim for concealed carry. I think most online purchases come with the screws and bushings that are needed for the slim grips installation. Do you guys have any recommendations for grips? I'm looking for wood grips, perhaps a nice dark hardwood. I found a few sites that sell 1911 grips but not really much. I've heard about tons of custom grips but can't seem to find them online. Thanks in advance.

 

[Dr_2_B]

Well, I made a mistake in ordering mine. There was more variability in sizes than I thought and the ones I bought online didn't fit my particular model. Many places (online) will give you lots of measurements. They do this to cover their butts, but it's a pretty good way to make sure you're getting the grips that will fit your particular model. A little extra effort in measuring ahead of time will keep you from ending up with a pair of worthless grips like I did.

 

[kanewpadle]

You really won't gain very much if anything in switching to slimmer grips. Slimmer 1911 grips were originally made for those with smaller hands. The gun is already slim enough. The hard part to conceal (if you call it hard) is the long grip length wise. Not the width.

If you want nice grips see http://www.esmeralda.cc/latest_grips_added.htm

 

[tprice]

Be careful not to order grips cut for a magwell -- they will be a little short for a regular grame.

 

[Oldslabsides]

Thin Grips

Carl,

I'd be happy to fix you up with a set. Check my site: www.klamathriverwoodworks.com

I have found thin grips do make a difference in concealment.

Slim

 

[Oro]

If you want slim grips, I think CMC makes some very, very nice ones. Check them out - I had a pair on a Commander I bought used and the quality was very good.

Some 1911s use different grips, but very few. Taurus I believe is not standard. Also, if switching to slim grips, I think Norinco and AO bushings are different and won't swap. What type of 1911 style pistol do you have?

The other thing to consider is the bottom finish - whether beveled at the base or cut flush to match with a mag well. Make sure you order the bottom finish you want - you already understand the ambi cut issue.

You really won't gain very much if anything in switching to slimmer grips.

Some people see improved groups when switching. I had someone swear to me he did. I didn't believe him, so we did some experimenting. What I/we decided was that the slim profile forces the average user to focus more of his grip strength on the front strap/back strap like many shooting gurus recommend. Weaver was a proponent of this, for example.

There are a number of folks who will NOT let you take their slim grips away from them regardless of their hand size. I'm not going to argue with them based on what I learned.

 

[kanewpadle]

Improved groups, yes. But that's not the discussion here.

I fail to see how a quarter inch or so would make a difference in concealing a 1911. If you can't deal with the stock grip then dress differently. Never ever heard of someone switching grips on a 1911 to better conceal it.

It's your gun. Have a ball. But I think your wasting your money.

 

[2RCO]

Also keep in mind that Thin Line grips require Thin Line Bushings and Screws.

If you catch me at a Gun Show I offer thin Line grips for full size and officer's models. I haven't added them to the website though.

I'll be at the next Tulsa show (Wannenmacher's).

Or PM me with exactly what you are looking for and the Make and Model of 1911. I keep a pretty broad assortment of Modern 1911 variations so I can usually check them on a similar gun before I send them out.

Raleigh

 

[MICHAEL T]

http://www.esmeralda.cc/\


I have a couple sets and they fit perfect She has fast service also

 

[JTQ]

2RCO gave you the most important piece of information...

Also keep in mind that Thin Line grips require Thin Line Bushings and Screws.

Bushings require some effort and skill to remove and install usually involving some heat and loctite. If you go back to standard grips you need to put the standard bushings back in (most likely new ones since you probably destroyed the old ones when you took them out).

Some prefer the thin grips and it does make a difference, even though the change in dimension is actually very small. However, changing them out is not just a matter of turning four screws.

 

[HAMMERHEAD73]

Carl check these out !!!!!!

http://www.gungripguys.com/
i have order many many sets from these guys an have always got a top of the line product at a great price . Also if you want something inlaid in them (i have 2 sets that i had them custom make for 2 old WW1 colts i have ) 1st set have 1917 Mercury Dimes inset in them an the other set has 1918 Buffalo nickels inset . I thought it was a nice touch an those are the years in which these 2 pistols were made . as far ambi-cut just ask its no charge . The size part of your question is as long as you have a full-size (5" barrel ) or a commander (4 3/4"barrel) they are the same frame/grip length . Only a officer model is different . easy way to tell take a 8 round magazine an insert it if its flush with the mag well you have a standard frame if it hangs out you have a officers frame . Now one other thing if you have a LLama or a Argentina Ballista Molitor these require a different grip but these gentlemen also make these everyday . You will be amazed at the vast selection of exotic woods that they carry . Hope this helps you out !!!

one other thing if you go with a slim line grip just check out MIDWAYUSA.COM for the bushing inserts an grip screws . they are not expensive an you can get whatever you wish . slotted ,phillips,hex,or torx head screws .

Best of Luck

 

[Baneblade]

For some nice woods grips try Ahrends grips:

http://ahrendsgripsusa.com/

For wood grips, I don't know that you will find a better variety. Some of their grips are sold through Brownells too.

 

[Carl]

I have a full size standard SA Loaded model.

 

[2RCO]

SA stuff is pretty well to Spec so any quality 1911 grips that are Ambi Safety cut will work for you. The great thing about 1911 grips is that there are a whole bunch of folks that make them so no matter your taste you can find something to fit.